The existing cafeteria and server at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn were evaluated, leading to the development of three schematic design alternatives. Key programmatic elements identified through the assessment were integrated to enhance functionality and user experience. The program was developed through a comprehensive analysis of data gathered from:
Guided by these distinct parameters, DSP developed three design alternatives varying in scale and site expansion. The selected scheme was thoughtfully tailored to the specific conditions of the Brooklyn site. This detailed analysis informed a program that addressed the immediate needs and long-term objectives of the administration, student body, medical staff, and hospital leadership. The program subsequently served as the foundation for three schematic designs and corresponding cost estimates, facilitating stakeholder review, feedback, and funding approval.
DSP’s program researched design decisions to fit the facility’s culture. The preferred scheme adds space to ease congestion and improve circulation, with potential for two more stories in the future.
Students expressed a need for more than just a dining area—they sought a social hub for meeting friends and collaborating. In response, seating is arranged around well-lit nodes, enhanced by natural light from skylights that brighten the interior. The nodes create distinct destinations and assist with wayfinding between SUNY Downstate Hospital and the Basic Science Research Facility. The design also addresses the demand for healthy food options available 24/7 by incorporating self-serve kiosks and Grab & Go stations, reducing overhead while extending food service hours.